Taoiseach

Bertie Ahern Position: Taoiseach

Bertie AhernPosition: Taoiseach

Age:55

Party:Fianna Fáil

Constituency:Dublin Central

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Political career:First elected to the Dáil in 1977, Ahern has been the most successful Taoiseach, in electoral terms, since Eamon de Valera. He was a protege of Charles Haughey, serving in the Department of Labour in the 1980s at a time of industrial strife. He led his party into power in 1997, 2002 and yesterday.

Immediate challenges:He begins his third term with strong indications of an imminent economic downturn after sustained "Celtic Tiger" years of prosperity. He has indicated he will not contest the next general election, and as time goes on there is likely to be growing speculation about when he might stand down.